Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana)
What does pokeweed look like?
You might overlook a young plant of this native perennial, but a mature pokeweed is easy to spot. By midsummer it can grow 8 to 10 feet tall with 10-inch-long leaves. The smooth, sturdy round stems are usually green, often with a purple or pink blush.
Pokeweed is considered toxic to humans
Broken stems or crushed leaves emit a bitter odor. And most sources consider all parts of this plant to be toxic to humans. From mid- to late summer, small white or pink flowers are arranged in 3- to 6-inch-long curled or drooping racemes. Later, green berries turn dark purple as they ripen. Each shiny fruit contains 10 seeds and is a popular food for many birds, helping this weed spread.
Where you'll find pokeweed
Pokeweed is common in the eastern half to two-thirds of North America, but is found in the far West, too. It likes part sun in moist, loamy soil, but can adapt to almost any conditions; it just won’t grow as large. Look for it in areas that are only occasionally disturbed, such as perennial gardens or shrub borders.
How to get rid of pokeweed
Young plants can be pulled or hoed out of the garden. But a large, deep taproot means you’ll need to dig a mature pokeweed. Or at least chop off the crown several inches below the surface to prevent resprouting.
Related Articles:
How to Deal with Garden Pests
Helpful Gardening Books | The Garden Gate Store
Subscribe to Garden Gate Magazine!
